Employment Law Update 2025 for UK Schools and MATs
Schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts (MATs) can expect a busy period of legislative change that will affect policies, budgeting, and staff welfare. While 2024 brought several important adjustments, the bigger reforms could land in 2025 if the government's proposals become law.
One such key UK government reform is changes to the employment law. The proposed employment law changes in 2025 in the UK are bound to impact schools and academies going forward.
This blog highlights the key proposed employment law changes to keep in mind for 2025.
The UK Government Reforms for 2025 – Download Our Factsheet
The Employment Rights Bill (ERB) was initially published on 10 October 2024 and is expected to be finalised in 2025, with a staged rollout of its provisions. Some changes will not come into force until autumn 2026, but the scope and significance of the reforms require employers, including schools and trusts, to start planning ahead.
The factsheet includes updates on:
- Gender equality and menopause support
- Workplace harassment
- Flexible working rights
- Family leave rights
- Reforms to trade union and industrial action
- New rights for zero-hour and low-hour workers
- Day-one unfair dismissal
- Collective redundancy rights
- School support staff negotiating body
- Fair work agency
- Neonatal care leave
- Pay gap reporting
- The "right to switch off"
- Increases in National Minimum Wage
- Increases in statutory sick pay and other benefits
- Single status of "worker"
Download our free factsheet for a comprehensive overview of these changes and guidance on what schools and trusts should watch for and consider. We outline the key updates, the dates of the changes, and their potential impact on the UK's schools and trusts.
The Government's Education Reforms for 2025 – Potential Impact on Schools and MATs
It is more important than ever for schools and MATs in the UK to be aware of the potential overhaul the proposed employment law changes will bring in.
The following are the key areas in education that need to be braced for potential impact:
Budgeting and Funding
Wage increases and day-one entitlements could place additional strain on school finances, requiring prudent forecasting and potential funding reallocation.
Policy Overhaul
Staff handbooks and contracts will likely need updating to align with new rights; especially those related to leave, zero-hour bans, and pay.
HR and Legal Compliance
Tighter unfair dismissal criteria and expanded pay gap reporting mean HR teams must maintain transparent and thorough documentation.
Staff Well-being
With the proposed "right to switch off" and more robust mental health initiatives, schools might be expected to embed well-communicated out-of-hours contact policies.
Diversity and Inclusion
Enhanced discrimination laws and mandated training could require MATs to invest in ongoing staff development and regular policy reviews.
Download our factsheet for a detailed breakdown of the impact of each proposed government education reform.
Preparing Your School or MAT for the Proposed Employment Law Changes
Pippa Lloyd, Head of HR at Keystone Knowledge recommends that schools and MATs begin assessing their current policies against these possible reforms now rather than waiting until the last minute. From reviewing staff contracts to planning new training programmes, a proactive approach will help maintain compliance and a positive workplace culture.
Here's how you can prep your school or MAT for the upcoming employment law changes in 2025 in the UK:
Early Consultation
Stay informed via professional bodies and government updates. Gather input from staff and governors on potential areas of concern.
Legal Review
Review your existing contracts, leave policies, and pay scales in anticipation of the proposed changes. Where necessary, seek advice. Keystone Knowledge can assist with reviewing your contracts and policies - contact us today for support.
Communication Strategy
Regularly update employees and stakeholders on how new legislation will impact them. Clarity reduces uncertainty and encourages collaboration.
Training and Development
Plan for staff training on revised rights, inclusive hiring practices, and mental health support. This helps embed a culture of compliance and well-being. Training for school leaders and HR professionals is widely available, with Keystone offering regular free training.
Institutions that anticipate these changes and adapt policies, budgets, and HR and payroll procedures will now be better positioned to navigate any new legislation effectively.
Access Unrivalled Support from Keystone Knowledge's Education HR Experts
Need support with navigating the proposed employment law changes?
We can provide:
- Professional advice and support to review and refine your existing HR policies
- Creation of customised, tailored policies designed to meet the specific needs of your school or trust, ensuring alignment with best practices and upcoming legal changes
- Thorough case work and project assistance to tackle unique challenges effectively
To discuss how we can support you, visit our website or contact us directly at 01332 278032 or
About the author
Stephen is an experienced leader in education, and the CEO of Keystone Knowledge. He has worked as CEO, CFO, COO across academies since 2012 and delivered programmes of change and rapid organisational improvement.
He holds an MBA with a thesis on improving the quality of management in education, is currently working on his Doctorate, and is a national lead assessor on the School Resource Management Advisor (SRMA) programme for the DfE. He regularly speaks at national conferences on a range of topics relevant to the education sector.
